Systematic Search Upload Instructions


Watch instructional video on YouTube


If you’ve searched multiple databases, you may have duplicate studies. Currently, SyRF does not deduplicate studies automatically. Please deduplicate your studies using the ASySD deduplication tool before uploading.

Uploading Files

A Project Administrator can upload a systematic search by selecting Systematic Searches in Project Settings, then clicking “Upload New Systematic Search”.

Accepted file formats:

  • EndNote XML (EndNote Desktop only; EndNote Web XML is not supported)
  • CSV (Comma-separated values)

Upload example

EndNote XML

Without screening decisions (currently not supported)

  1. Import references into EndNote.
  2. Retrieve full-text PDFs by selecting all references (Ctrl + A) and clicking References → Find Full Text.
  3. Select all references (Ctrl + A), then click File → Export.
  4. Set file type to XML.
  5. Name and save the XML file for uploading.

Zotero Export

Zotero’s ‘EndNote XML’ export option isn’t compatible. Use CSV format and follow CSV instructions.

Having issues with EndNote XML uploads? See FAQ.

CSV Upload Instructions

Optionally including screening decisions

Upload study references from a CSV file. Your CSV file must include these exact column headings:

Column Name Description
Title Title of the study
Authors Authors separated by semicolons, e.g., Smith J; Doe A
PublicationName Journal or publication name
AlternateName Alternative name(s) for the study (if any)
Abstract Study abstract
Url Web link to the study (if available)
AuthorAddress Corresponding author’s address
Year Publication year, format: YYYY (e.g., 2023)
Doi Digital Object Identifier
ReferenceType Reference type (e.g., journal article, book)
Keywords Relevant keywords separated by semicolons
PdfRelativePath Relative path to associated PDF
CustomId Optional identifier used externally which will be included in SyRF data exports

Download a correctly formatted CSV template here.

  • All columns must be present; empty fields are acceptable.
  • To upload screening decisions, include separate columns for each reviewer. Decisions should use 1 for inclusion and 0 for exclusion.
  • Only include the above columns and user-specific screening columns. Extra columns or missing required columns will cause upload errors.
  • Save files as CSV - Comma delimited (*.csv) in Excel (File → Save As).

CSV Save

Uploading Full-Text PDFs

Retrieve full-text PDFs before uploading references. PDFs cannot be added retroactively.

Ensure the PdfRelativePath column contains relative paths matching your uploaded folder structure.

More info on relative paths: EndNote guide.

Send the following to SyRF Helpdesk:

  • Project name
  • PDF folder (via Google Drive or similar)
  • CSV with PDF paths and corresponding study titles or SyRF study IDs

PDF File Naming

Avoid invalid filename characters (< > : " \ / | ? *). Use unique identifiers (e.g., RecordID).

More details: EndNote’s renaming guide.

Performing a two-stage screening and need PDFs only for included studies? See FAQ.

Viewing Studies

View uploaded studies by clicking Studies → All Studies in the left navigation panel.

Deleting Systematic Searches

You can delete systematic searches, but be aware this also deletes all associated screening decisions and annotations.